Range of Possible Outcomes

This section is intended to advise you of the range of possible outcomes of a complaint investigation.

 Not to Proceed

1) If it has been determined that the concerns raised by an individual are outside the jurisdiction of the College to investigate, or a request by the College for supporting documentation or information to determine whether the concerns constitute a complaint at law has gone unanswered, the matter will not be proceeded upon.

Summary Dismissal

2) The Inquiry Committee is designated by the Health Professions Act to investigate complaints. If the concerns raised in a complaint are within the jurisdiction of the College to investigate, but raise no public protection concerns for the Inquiry Committee, the Committee may summarily dismiss the matter under Section 32(3) of the Health Professions Act.

Complaint Investigation Commenced - Possible Resolutions

Section 33(6) of the Health Professions Act grants four possible options in resolving a complaint investigation:

1) In cases where a complaint investigation does not demonstrate reasonable cause or sufficient evidence to determine unsatisfactory conduct by the registrant, the Inquiry Committee may decide to take no further action under Section 33(6)(a) of the Act. Under the Act, the Complainant will be given written notice of the decision.

2) In cases where a complaint investigation leaves the Committee with some concern, the Committee may attempt to take any action it considers appropriate in order to resolve the matter between the Complainant and the Respondent per Section 33(6)(b) of the Act. If these efforts are successful and deemed satisfactory by the Committee to resolve its concerns, the Complainant will be given written notice of the decision.

3) In cases where a complaint investigation leaves the Committee with some concern but where resolution attempts via Section 33(6)(b) have been unsuccessful or are unlikely to be effective, the Committee may resolve issues in other ways, including, but not limited to, by reaching a binding agreement which requires the registrant to do, or refrain from doing, certain activities. Such agreements may involve, for example, undertaking further education, undertaking to modify a particular element of the registrant's practice, or undergoing supervision for a period of time. Per the Act, the Complainant will be given written notice of the decision of the Committee.

4) In cases where serious concerns remain and other attempts by the Committee to resolve the matter have been unsuccessful, the Inquiry Committee may direct the issuance of a citation. The citation gives notice to the registrant of a formal hearing before the Discipline Committee. Further information of the disciplinary process is available in the Complaint Process section of this website. Per the Act, the Complainant will be given written notice of the decision upon completion of the investigation.